RealTime Baccarat
The Baccarat Table
As we know, baccarat has different variants and ways of playing. One such variant is the American baccarat. This variant noticeably differs in a number of elements of baccarat. American baccarat has a bigger table compared to the other baccarat variants. Its table consists of two half circles at both ends with a rectangle joining the two ends together. The ends are where the players put their bets. The middle rectangular area is where the dealers are positioned with the commission boxes and other dealer paraphernalia.American baccarat also differs from other baccarat with the number of players. In American baccarat, players could number to up to 14 players, with 7 each seated at both ends of the baccarat table.
American baccarat also does not adhere to the practice that the role of banker should rotate among the players. In fact, only the dealers are allowed to be the banker. The number of bankers also differs from other baccarats. In other baccarat variants, there is only one banker. In the American baccarat, there are three bankers.
Players also cannot touch the cards. Only the dealers are allowed to touch the cards. Players in the American baccarat can only bet, unlike other baccarat variants where players can both bet and play the cards as well.
As I have said, there are 14 players in American baccarat. Their numbers are indicated at the edge of the ends of the baccarat table. However, because of some superstitious belief, there is no number 13 on the table. This means the last player is number 15.
The slot or circle right in front of the player's seat numbers is the player's betting slot. This is where the betters put their money if they want to bet on the player's hand. The banker's betting area comes right after the player's. This is where you put your bet if you are wagering that the banker's hand will win. The outermost betting area will be a bet for a tie.
As I have said, there are three dealers present in an American baccarat table. The first dealer, known as the "caller" or the "croupier", is seated in the middle of the table between players 1 and 15. He's job is to make the final call on each play and supervise the general flow of the game.
The other two dealers are seated across the caller. Their job is to service the players on both ends of the table. One dealer serves players from 1 to 7 and the other dealer serves players seated on 8 to 15. These two dealers are responsible for getting the bets of the losers and awarding the winners.
The caller or croupier tracks the commissions each player owes to the casino. The percentage of the casino in each game will be discussed further in the discussion about baccarat betting rules.